Any suggestions as to what this is please

[patgc]

This is approx 2" long x 1/2" wide. It is very nicely made and the pin on a chain fits in the holes as a marker I guess. Both the pin and the top of the item where the ring goes in each is crafted as a dogs head. It has DORIS on one edge and IRENE on the other which correspond to which side is showing/ Irene has the Jan Dec side and Doris the May Aug side. It is hallmarked for London 1981 but looks older. The silver shows signs of lots of use. The design on both sides on the silver gilt part side looks Celtic

[dognose]

Hi,

Welcome to the Forum.

Can you post an image of the marks. Identifying the maker may well provide a clue.

Trev.

[patgc]

Hard to read the maker but think its B&C with a little o in a trefoil clover shape.

[oel]

No offense intended but this does strikes me as a typical male sign! I am way out of my league here but could Irene and Doris perhaps be the names of female animals ( racing dogs) and this device could be used to indicate when one of the females were ready for covering/breeding? The other site I believe we see a Rose/flower; the ancient Greeks and Romans identified the rose with the goddess of love, Aphrodite (Greek name) and Venus (Roman name). I am intrigued by this little object.


Oel.

[silverly]

Here's a post that may relate to this one even though the image is missing: http://925-1000.com/forum/viewtopic.php ... 63&start=0

[patgc]

Brilliant piece of detective work, many thanks. Have found various pics and descriptions of the Saxon Pocket Sundial on the net now and Its certainly a replica of the one found at Canterbury Cathedral but with a couple of differences. Its a lot smaller than other replicas and the latin transcriptions are replaced with DORIS & IRENE. It doesnt have the 2nd part of the pin/gnomon, but doesnt look like there ever was another part. Yes, they could be snakes not dogs.There are indents where precious stones would have been in the original and the larger replicas but dont think there is enough room for even a little chip in this one.
Yes its a replica of a sundial but what purpose would it have been used for in relation to Doris & Irene ?

[JayT]

Perhaps a keepsake gift to someone from Doris & Irene?

[patgc]

Would anybody know who the makers are B&Co in a trefoil/clover shape. London 1982